Kris kollins image via ikriskollins (tiktok)
The first-ever musical theater adaptation of Prince’s Purple Rain has locked in its lead actors. In his stage debut, Washington D.C.–based singer-songwriter Kris Kollins will star as The Kid, joined by & Juliet standout Rachel Webb as Apollonia.
The pre-Broadway run is set for the State Theatre in Minneapolis from October 16 to November 16. A Broadway transfer has not yet been confirmed. Fans can already get a taste of the production—Kollins and Webb perform “Take Me With U” in a newly released rehearsal video.
The creative team includes Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, adapting the original screenplay; choreographer Ebony Williams; and director Lileana Blain-Cruz. Music supervision comes from Jason Michael Webb, with Prince collaborators Bobby Z and Morris Hayes serving as music advisers.
Purple Rain originally hit theaters in 1984, becoming a cultural phenomenon and spawning one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.
